Miami Football: Defense could cause problems vs. Virginia Tech in Week 6

Virginia Tech takes it talents to South Beach as it visits Miami football in an ACC Coastal showdown. Here’s a preview, prediction and how to watch.

It’s intriguing when two programs can play one another with the same record, yet trend in completely different directions. Miami and Virginia Tech both have their imperfections and struggles, but the reasons for each couldn’t be more different.

For the Hokies, the rash of transfers hurt their depth as well as put a microscope on the culture head coach Justin Fuente has established in Blacksburg. Both of these have played out on the field from barely beating Old Dominion and Furman to getting pushed around by Duke last Friday night, the Hokies have a lot of questions that don’t seem to have answers.

Miami is young and inexperienced, and first-year head coach Manny Diaz is trying to establish his culture and vision on a team without many upperclassmen. This was evident when he stopped practice mid-week during its bye. It’s hard when you don’t have much depth, and you have lots of youth. However, things are trending in the right direction for the Hurricanes with the progression of quarterback Jarren Williams and his young offensive line.

Although the Hurricanes have a lot of growing to do offensively, their defense has been as advertised. They have been suffocating offenses all season long surrendering under 300 yards per game, and only 59.8 rushing yards.

On the other hand, this has not been a typical Bud Foster Virginia Tech defense. They’ve allowed nearly 40 points per game in their losses, and over 350 yards of total offense per contest.

Here’s how to watch:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 5
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Miami, Fla.
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium
TV: ESPN
Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

Both the Hurricanes and the Hokies need to find some consistency on offense. Williams has been really good when he’s had time to throw but the problem is he’s been sacked 18 times already this season. DeeJay Dallas has had a good season, but he’s had little help in the backfield.

If the Hurricanes expect to win this game, they need to be balanced on offense, and do a better job of protecting Williams for four quarters.

Virginia Tech needs to find chemistry on both sides of the football. They have no continuity on offense or defense. They laid down against Duke, and if they want any shot at this game, they have to be tough when adversity strikes.

Prediction

Virginia Tech doesn’t have a chance in this game, and it shouldn’t. However, the Hurricanes are young, especially on offense, so mistakes can keep the Hokies in this game longer than they should. If Duke’s defense had a field day with Virginia Tech’s offensive line, imagine what Miami’s front-seven is going to do.

Final Score: Miami 28, Virginia Tech 10